IDF denies Hamas claim to have kidnapped a soldier

Hamas’s armed wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, announces in a televised broadcast that it has captured an Israeli soldier. The IDF categorically denies the authenticity of the claim.

Hamas’s announcement triggers celebratory gunfire, fireworks and cheers of “Allah akbar” in Gaza and elsewhere around the Middle East.

Cheers of Allahu Akbar over loudspeakers. Fireworks and celebratory gunfire. In the distance, explosions in Shejaiya
— Danny Gold (@DGisSERIOUS) July 20, 2014

Worth noting that celebratory gunfire at news of #Hamas kidnap of IDF soldier not just reported in #Gaza, also #Lebanon, #Syria, #Iraq..
— Charles Lister (@Charles_Lister) July 20, 2014

More: Child in Hebron celebrates with his dad over Hamas claim of abducted soldier. Kid giving out candy. pic.twitter.com/eNDghWlxFJ
— Israel Breaking ✡ (@IsraelBreaking) July 20, 2014

Palestinians in West Bank, Gaza Strip celebrating Hamas claim it captured IDF soldier. IDF has denied claim.
— Khaled Abu Toameh (@KhaledAbuToameh) July 20, 2014

Alon Ben David, channel 10s military reporter: no confirmation for Hamas claim, IDF: we are checking the reports.
— Nadav Eyal (@NadavEyalDesk) July 20, 2014

So many fake pictures circulating. This is NOT the ID of the alleged captured Israeli soldier. Picture is OLD pic.twitter.com/UdSYEgup1W
— Jenan Moussa (@jenanmoussa) July 20, 2014